For the past few months, I have had the honor of sitting on a church planning team. A handful of us have read a book together, prayed together, dreamed together, and now we are planning together. I didn’t have a relationship with everyone on the team initially, but that quickly changed. Every other week for seven weeks, I sat beside the eldest member of the team: in age, stature, and position. I found myself looking forward to every meeting with him.

Throughout our discussions, he would share stories of life events, but most importantly, God moments. He never failed to fully capture my attention when he would begin boasting about the Lord. And I must admit that seeing an 80+ year old elder of the church get teary-eyed over the things of God does something deep inside my soul.

The Forgotten Wisdom of Elders: Titus 2 and the Role of Older Believers

Our women’s ministry recently finished a series on Titus. This is one of those books often overlooked unless needed for a debate, yet it holds so much value to the kinds of relationships that are imperative to the body of Christ. It deserves way more attention and devotion than we give. These are the words of Paul to Titus found in chapter 2 (emphasis added).

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Oftentimes, I think we forget the great value the older men and women bring to the body of Christ. There is a natural wisdom that comes with age and experience. There is a great reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God when an older man or woman still gets weepy over Him. There is discernment. There is knowledge. They aren’t perfect; they are still going through sanctification. But Paul was clear that they have a distinct purpose in the body. Titus 2 emphasizes the unique role older men and women play in the church. Their wisdom and life experience make them invaluable teachers and role models, especially for younger believers.

How Elders Can Inspire a Revival in Your Prayer Life

My new friend repeatedly spoke about the importance of prayer and gave several testimonies of how powerfully God had moved in situations he prayed through. What he didn’t know is that for months, I have struggled in my own prayer time. I have felt a pull from the Holy Spirit regarding my prayer life. There is no better way to phrase it than, my prayer life was in need of a revival. It literally needed to be revived. It was a dry wilderness. As I write this, I think to myself, perhaps this is why I have been plagued with writer’s block for months.

The last time I was with my elder friend (yes, he is literally an Elder in the church), I knew that something needed to change in me. His testimony that evening gave way to a fresh desire for God. A spark. A breath of fresh air. A reminder to be steadfast.

Conclusion: The Power of Mentorship In The Church

I am thankful for the body of Christ. In its vast array of differences among the people, yet united in one body and one Spirit. The Lord knew what He was doing when he called us together to worship. He knew that it would be messy, difficult, and sometimes filled with all of the sinful attitudes we have been redeemed from. He also knew that we needed each other. It’s a beautifully messy thing, full of joy and life.

Find an “elder” in your church and get to know them. Let them share all of the God stories and pray over you. Let them lead you into a revival in your own heart. Watch their love and steadfastness in action. I promise that it will bless your whole soul.